Just One More Time

From Gwen, Aeden, & Irene
Tom took his last breath this morning, June 20, at 3:39 surrounded by the three of us and an amazing amount of love. We cried, laughed, prayed, embraced, hummed "How Can I Keep From Singing" and sang "The Garden Song." We lit a candle.A new journey has begun for all four of us.

I responded to a silent request and showed up at the house on Tuesday, the 18th. I walked into that house, not really knowing what to expect. I've visited "dying" homes and hospital rooms before but this one was really different. It smelled better, it was full of light and loaded, floor to ceiling, with love. So much love. It was comforting. I like to think that when he took that last shallow breath this morning, it was a happy, content one. Godspeed my friend, and thank you so much for sharing...


Just one more time he said to see the sky
One more time to smell your hair
Just one more time to tell you I love you
One more time, I want to be there.

It happened so suddenly
It seemed so unreal
This thing, it is fatal
How on earth will we heal?

This is how I’m getting by
This is how I’m getting through
Every day, every way, I cherish memories of you

Just one more time, he said, to see the sky
One more time to smell your hair
Just one more time to tell you I love you
One more time, I want to be there.

Singing songs, in a circle
Greeting friends, far and wide
Barbequing in the backyard
Even when it’s raining outside

This is how I’m getting by
This is how I’m getting through
Every day, every way, I cherish memories of you

Just one more time, he said, to see the sky
One more time to smell your hair
Just one more time to tell you I love you
One more time, I want to be there.

So many children you have known
So many now are fully grown
They will take you songs, the word you’ve penned
And future voices will forever blend

This is how I’m getting by
This is how I’m getting through
Every day, every way, I cherish memories of you

Just one more time, he said, to see the sky
One more time to smell your hair
Just one more time to tell you I love you
One more time, I will be there.
c-Marla Bronstein 2008